Rainbow Dash asks the important questions in life. Who would've thought that a week-long hiking competition would've brought it on?
"Daylight was fading quickly at this point, but Rainbow could see the tears streaking down the other girl’s face. She held her breath, they had not talked about the future at all. Was it too soon?"
A week long backpacking trip, may not be considered romantic for most; but for Rainbow Dash? It couldn't be anymore romantic for her girlfriend if she even tried.
“Why don’t we set up camp half a mile down the trail, then come back up here to watch the sunset? The only response she got was a nod from the girl in front of her. Several months ago, Fluttershy had come to her talking about how there was a hiking competition- ten pairs would trek 100 miles across the Everfree Forest. The competition was to raise awareness about environmental issues; though there was a cash prize for first, second, and third place. Being the nature-lover she is, Fluttershy wanted to do it for the experience, as she would never miss an opportunity to spend time outside, enjoying the natural world. Rainbow Dash, on the other hand was in it mostly for the money…who was she kidding? She did it for her girlfriend, the way Fluttershy lit up when talking about it was all the convincing Rainbow Dash needed. A little over a week since they hike started they were almost finished. This would be their last night in the woods and they hand just reached the zenith of the mountain range along their path. It was starting to get late and such an opportunity to see the sunset from the mountain top could not be passed up. With their tent set up, the couple made a quick dinner of rice and beans, with a side of canned veggies. The short hike back up to the peak wasn’t terrible, they brought their dinner, hydration packs, a small tarp and blanket and of course: flashlights.
“I love this,” Dash said softly, she sat on the tarp leaning against a tree with Fluttershy sitting between her legs, the blanket over the both of them.
“Me too,” Fluttershy replied, lifting their entangled hands to kiss the back of Rainbow Dash’s. They sat in a contempt silence taking in the sounds of nature and the slightly shifting sunlight.
“I love you, ‘Shy,” Rainbow muttered pressing a kiss against soft pink hair. Fluttershy grimaced- she loved the affectionate gestures from Rainbow Dash- it was just that she had not properly washed her hair since their adventure started. Dips into streams and dry shampoo could only go so far when it came to hair care.
“I love you too, Dashie.”
Several moments passed before Rainbow Dash urged Fluttershy up so they could take pictures. Photography was one of Rainbow Dash’s hobbies, well taking photos of Fluttershy was her hobby. Rummaging through her backpack, Rainbow Dash felt for the small square box she had brought on the trip. Checking to ensure that Fluttershy was distracted by the view Rainbow, slipped the box into her pocket before grabbing the camera. There was no doubt in her mind that Fluttershy could model is she chose to do so. She was slender, had flawless skin, soft facial features, long gorgeous light pink hair, and the most amazing teal colored eyes. Those eyes. They were Rainbow Dash’s weakness, they were so expressive and could always hold Rainbow’s intense cerise eyes (until Fluttershy got to shy and turned away). After snapping a few shots of her girlfriend and the sunset, Dash stood next to Fluttershy. Instead of watching the sunset, her gaze was fixed on the girl next to her.
“What is it?” Fluttershy questioned, turning to face Rainbow Dash, a slight blush on her cheeks. Rainbow Dash smiled, bringing a hand up to stroke Fluttershys’ cheek.
“You’re just...so beautiful, baby.” The blush deepened as she brought her hand up to cover Rainbow’s own, turning to press her lips to the warm palm. Leaning down Rainbow Dash stole a soft kiss, her free hand reaching into her pocket.
“Fluttershy…you are my everything, my moon and my sun,” Rainbow sunk to a knee as she spoke, opening the small box. Fluttershy let out a gasp and clasped both hands over her mouth, tears swelling in her eyes. Rainbow Dash swallowed before continuing, “I love you so much. Your smile, the way you turn away embarrassed when I catch you looking at me; or when you catch me looking at you. How kind you are to animals, how hard you study, I love everything about you. I could go on and on. Baby, would you give me the honor of marrying you? Will you marry me?"
Daylight was fading quickly at this point, but Rainbow could see the tears streaking down the other girl’s face. She held her breath, they had not talked about the future at all. They had only been together for a little over a year and a half and living together for the past five months. Was it too soon? Did she misread the signs? The panic was starting to set in as there was no reply from her girlfriend. What was she supposed to do now? A rock was digging into her knee uncomfortably, but she couldn’t will herself to move. Rainbow Dash was about to close the box when she heard it.
“Yes,” it was so soft that Rainbow nearly missed it over her own thoughts and worries. “Dashie, yes!” it was louder this time.
“Really?” her voice was strained almost pleading, praying her mind wasn’t playing tricks on her.
“Yes! Dashie, I will marry you!” Fluttershy was laughing as tears continued to fall down her cheeks. Rainbow Dash shot up, slipping the ring onto the appropriate finger; before picking up Fluttershy kissing her as she spun them around.
They could not properly celebrate as neither had a proper shower in over a week. The only source of bodily hygiene they had were the baby wipes they brought with them and the occasional dip in the stream. Fluttershy lay against Rainbow Dash, as her fiancé traced over the tattoo of three butterflies she had on her right side. The hike back to their camp had been rather quick; Fluttershy admired her ring and stole kisses from Rainbow Dash, as darkness fell around them. Her ring was stunning; it was a simple band with three large stones in the center as a few smaller stones followed on either side. She was fairly certain the middle stone was a diamond, the two stones on either side of the main one were a light pink, most likely sapphires. The rest of the smaller ones alternated between pink and clear, most likely the same type of stones as the larger three. She hoped it didn’t cost too much. Rainbow Dash worked hard to make sure the bills were met and rent was covered, as Fluttershy was a fulltime student with a part-time job at a vet clinic. Her small income was enough to make sure they had groceries every week. Truth be told, Dash could have proposed with a woven grass ring and she still would have said yes. The hand stroking her side had stopped and Rainbow Dash’s breathing was now even and deep. Smiling, Fluttershy could not wait to show off her new ring to their friends.
The last several miles of the trail were not horrible, the excitement of a hot shower, soft bed, and seeing their friends urged them on. Even though she only wore her engagement ring for a few hours, Fluttershy felt naked without it on. She had asked Rainbow Dash to carry it for her in its box, stored safely in her fiancé’s backpack just in case anything happened to it while she was wearing it. By the time they had reached the end, it was early in the afternoon and as expected their friends were waiting form them at the finish line. Greetings were exchanged along with hugs as they all chatted excitedly about the past week’s events.
“You guys came in second,” Twilight Sparkle informed the couple as they made their way to a tent filled with food and water.
Rainbow Dash shrugged, “the experience trumps the first place win,” she winked at Fluttershy, before continuing, “besides $500 for second isn’t bad at all! It’ll take care of the bills for a few months, and will buy textbooks for Flutters.”
“First, second or last place, it doesn’t matter. It calls for A PARTY!” an excitable Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she took another bite out of a large muffin. “Lef’s eat at da Itawin pwace we wike,” she managed to get out in between chewing.
Celebrating with their friends was the last thing Rainbow Dash wanted to do, she wanted to go home, shower, properly celebrate the engagement and sleep for a day straight. She was about to answer when Fluttershy cut in.
“Umm...Pinkie. I think Dashie and I want to go home and recover first. We can go out tomorrow? If that’s okay...” she said timidly, playing with her long ponytail.
“Of course it’s okay, Darling!” Rarity replied, “We all know how exhausted the two of you must be,” she stared at Pinkie willing their hyperactive friend to take a hint.
“Yeah! Get sleep and shower, the two of you need it!” the couple blushed as Pinkie finished off yet another muffin.
The friends had agreed to meet up tomorrow night at their favorite Italian restaurant for dinner. Walking to the cars made Rainbow Dash realize how exhausted she actually was. Applejack managed to slyly pull Rainbow away from the group as Fluttershy and the three other girls continued to talk, walking ahead of the two.
“So…” AJ drawled out as the pair headed to her truck. She had agreed to take Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy home after their hiking challenge, the rest of their friends had come with Rarity to show their support.
“What’s up AJ?” Rainbow replied, acting nonchalant.
“I didn’t see a ring on ‘er finger. Did ya chicken out or did she say no?” Rainbow Dash scoffed, “she said yes. I’m just holding onto it for her.” Applejack was the only one who knew Rainbow was planning on proposing, in fact she had dragged her best friend with her to help pick out the ring.
“Congrats, Dash! Will you make the announcement tomorrow?”
“Oh yeah, most likely. I’ll see how Fluttershy wants to go about it. Do me a favor and act like you’re surprised AJ.”
“Ya got it, partner.”
The drive home was several hours long but both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had fallen asleep within the first half hour of the drive and stayed knocked out until Applejack pulled up to their apartment. Thanking their friend for the lift the couple sleepily stumbled into the apartment. Fluttershy immediately went to check on Angel bunny (Twilight was in charge of looking after him on their trip). Rainbow Dash dumped their backpacks off at the entrance and walked straight into their bathroom to take a shower. She was standing there when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist.
“Hey you, how are you feeling? Still sleepy?” Rainbow Dash asked turning around the water hitting her back. Fluttershy nodded, trying to maneuver around Dash so she could get under the running water and finally wash her hair.
“Rainbow! I’m trying to actually shower,” she squeaked as Rainbow Dash’s hands teasingly wandered, as she was shampooing her hair.
“Yeah, but we’re in the shower together. We should be doing together things!” Rolling her eyes Fluttershy soaped up her body as she let the shampoo sit in her hair a little longer. She turned and kissed Dash “get out and let me finish up, without distractions.”
“Fine,” Rainbow whined as she got out to towel off and bolted to their bedroom.
By the time Fluttershy had gotten out of the shower and made it to the bedroom, Rainbow was sprawled out on the bed, softly snoring. Surprisingly she was wearing clothes, Fluttershy was certain she would be watching TV, waiting for her naked. Fluttershy crawled over the bed and straddled Rainbow Dash, leaning down to kiss her awake. Strong hands gently gripped her waist as Rainbow kissed back.
“Hey beautiful,” she looked up into those teal eyes before flipping them over, “time to celebrate our engagement?” Fluttershy nodded pulling Rainbow Dash into a deep kiss as the night gave way to passion.
“Rainbow! We’re going to be late!” Fluttershy cried out, making her way to the front door. Her heels were dangling from her fingers as she fumbled with an earring. Rainbow Dash was leaning against the kitchen counter a slight smirk on her face as she watched her frantic fiancée. Her gaze taking in Fluttershy’s appearance. The restaurant they were going to was more upscale than the group’s usual hang-out spots. The pink hair girl wore a black one shoulder strap dress that ended mid-thigh. Her hair was in an up-do, which was uncharacteristic as she preferred to have her long hair down allowing her to hide behind if she got too shy or uncomfortable.
“Babe, I’ve been waiting on you,” Rainbow Dash replied, grabbing her keys before kissing Fluttershy on the cheek. Dash wore a light blue button down tee-shirt with a black vest, accompanied with a black tie. The sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, showing off the tan she received during their hiking adventure. She was in desperate need of a haircut but, but still managed to style her hair into its usual faux-hawk. Fluttershy rolled her eyes as she slipped on her heels before walking out of their apartment with Rainbow Dash trailing after her.
By the time they got to the restaurant (this time they were only 30 minutes late), their friends laughing among themselves. Rainbow Dash placed her hand on Fluttershy’s lower back, leading the pair to their friends. Upon reaching the table she noted two empty appetizer plates and a half empty bottle of wine were laid on the table, as was such the routine when the couple was not present within the first 10 minutes of the scheduled meet time.
“Well look who finally decided ta show up!” Applejack greeted them lifting her glass of hard cider towards the couple.
“Finally! We’ve been starving! I was going to order yet, another appetizer,” Rarity complained taking another bite of bruschetta.
“Yeah…we lost track of time. Our day consisted of sleeping, and eating,” Rainbow replied rubbing the back of her neck, a blush fixated on Fluttershy’s face as she slipped into the booth.
Applejack laughed at that, “ya’ll were too busy shacking up! I don’t blame ya, either.”
“Besides, we are all very, well aware that you two are in a romantic, sexual relationship,” Twilight added, clearly browsing through her email for school related work. At this even Rainbow Dash turned a deep red as she slid next to Fluttershy.
The group chatted, talking about the events of the past week, as they awaited their meals. Rainbow Dash was showing everyone pictures they took while on their adventure. The girls were entranced by the expertise of Rainbow’s photography skills, especially by those of the streams and ponds they came across. The timing could not have been more perfect. As Rainbow Dash was showing off pictures from the mountain top where she proposed; Fluttershy was reaching for a piece of garlic bread when Rarity let out a loud, strangled gasp.
“What. Is. THAT!” She all but screeched out, pointing at Fluttershy’s outstretched hand.
This caught the attention of everyone, literally everyone; even tables around them turned to see what the commotion was all about, but quickly turned away when they realized there wasn’t any real drama to witness. By then, Rarity had grabbed Fluttershy’s wrist and was staring at the ring, the other girls gazing at the jewelry as well. They were all speechless, even Pinkie Pie who always had something to say was at a loss for words.
“It’s umm…a-a ring?” Fluttershy meekly replied, blushing. She hadn’t exactly thought out how she wanted to break the news, Rainbow Dash told her that the announcement was totally up to her. She thought about waiting to see if their friends noticed he ring and then thought about just straight up telling them. She was undecided by the time they had gotten to the restaurant, but now her one of two options had already been chosen for her.
"She said yes," Rainbow smirked, as everyone stretched to view the ring.
“Umm…Rarity, if you could please let go of my hand, that’d be great. I mean, only if you’re done looking at the ring, that is. It’s just my arm is starting to hurt from over-stretching,” she added, despite the stunned looks, her request did not fall on deaf ears, Rarity let go immediately.
“Of course, Darling! I just can’t believe it! It’s so beautiful! Oh my goodness, please! Tell us more! This is just too exciting! Congrats to the both of you!”
“I’ll be darned, Dash. You found the balls. I knew it was only a matter of time! Congratulations!”
“THIS. IS. SO. EXCITING! AND IT CALLS FOR A PARTY!” Pinkie exclaimed, reaching into her purse for a popper. She pulled the string, the loud pop that followed made Fluttershy jump out of her skin; the glitter and strings exploding all over her and Rainbow Dash.
Fluttershy blushed as the initial shock wore off, wishing now that she wore her hair down, allowing her to hide behind her curtain of hair. Rainbow Dash gave a soft chuckle as she pressed a kiss to her temple, pulling pieces of string from Fluttershy's hair.
"Pinkie, tonight is already a celebration. We can just also celebrate their engagement. I mean, we have midterms coming up and – oh thank you. May we get another bottle of wine and waters as well?” Twilight was cut off as waiters brought out their meals. The first bottle of wine was gone, and both Applejack and Rainbow Dash were on their second round of hard cider. “The ring its absolutely stunning, Dash, you picked out an amazing ring. I’m truly so happy for you both!” she added, smiling at her two friends.
“Well ya know, I’m just awesome like that. Besides nothing but the best for my girl!” She sent a subtle wink to Applejack, after all, her best friend did point out the perfect ring when they went shopping.
“Tell us the story, Flutters!” Rarity all but bounced in her seat as she finished off the last bit of her wine. Fluttershy had hesitantly taken off her ring to pass around so her friends could admire it, without passing her hand around. The second it was back in her possession she slipped it on her finger and smiled, admiring how it caught the light in the restaurant. Turning she pressed a kiss to the side of Rainbow Dash’s neck.
“Let’s eat first, I’m starving,” Rainbow cut in, as she was truly famished, after all they had spent the entirety of the previous night and most of the day having sex and sleeping.
Half way through their meal, the friends finally got the story out of the couple. Rarity, Twilight and Pinkie Pie were completely enthralled with the story, awing when Rainbow Dash admitted that she was worried that Fluttershy was going to reject her proposal. Fluttershy was completely stunned when she heard Rainbow's admission, as she had no clue that Rainbow Dash was worried she was going to say no. Applejack was doing was fantastic job of acting like she had absolutely no idea of Rainbow’s plan. Dessert and another round or two rounds alcohol later and the group was finally ready to wrap up.
“Did you tell your parents yet?” Twilight inquired as they awaited the arrival of their check.
Fluttershy paled, “Oh my goodness. Dashie! We have to tell my parents…and yours! Next weekend we should go visit them.”
Rainbow agreed, she loved Fluttershy’s parents dearly, and her own would loath to be the last people to find out about the engagement. The two of them had known each other since they were children, the pair always hung out together as they grew up. Both families were very close, each month they would go over to each other’s homes and have a large family movie and game night, well day. Pizza and wings were ordered and at least two movies were watched. As the years went on, the monthly gatherings grew more infrequent, but still occurred. Since they had started college a little over a year ago, there had only been one movie-game night. Even though it would be pretty last minute, Rainbow Dash would do her best to get both of their parents together so they could make the announcement. Her dad’s schedule would be the most difficult to work around as he was an aviation mechanic and had to work odd hours at the international airport. But she would do her best to organize something to make the announcement happen; it would mean everything to Fluttershy if all four parents were present.
“Maybe Zephyr will finally take a hint,” Applejack teased laughing as Rainbow Dash’s expression immediately soured. Fluttershy’s younger brother, once had a crush on Rainbow Dash but as she grew more comfortable with herself and embraced the fact she was gay, he moved on from his small crush. However, that didn’t stop him from teasing her about secretly wanting him, even after she started dating his sister; if anything it probably increased it.
When the check came, Rarity immediately grabbed it and placed her credit card in the booklet, holding it up for the waiter to take it. She knew, the second she put it down, her friends would all pitch in to pay.
“Oh girls, please, let me take care of it," she got out quickly, before protests could be said. "Besides, this card is linked to my parent’s account, and once I inform them that it was for a Rainbow and Fluttershy’s engagement, they’ll have no issue,” she waved off their attempts to grab the bill from her hand, luckily (for her) a passing waiter took and the rest were forced to keep their credit cards. They knew it was hopeless to argue with Rarity, especially when it came to paying for food; yet still tried nonetheless.
Without a doubt, Rarity was the wealthiest of them all. Her mother was in costume design, which helped fuel Rarity’s own interest in fashion. Her father was an ambassador, which meant that from a very young age she was exposed to the more eloquent side of life. Rarity never outright bragged nor purposefully flaunted the wealth of her family. While she did enjoy designer clothes and bags, her rich upbringing did not distract from her generous nature, Rarity was always there to help out her friends; if they expressed interest in something they could not afford, she would always take note and get it for them for their birthday. Her generosity never ceased to end, and not just with materialistic things either, she was always there for her friends, and little sister, Sweetie Belle.
With the receipt signed and tip placed, the group made to leave, but as soon as they stood, the alcohol they had consumed throughout the evening truly hit them.
“None of us should be driving,” Twilight noted as she swayed a little, feeling light headed from getting up so quickly.
“Agreed,” Applejack replied, noting how Fluttershy leaned against Rainbow Dash for support, her face flushed red from the alcohol, not embarrassment as her eyes had a glossy look.
“Pinkie, you never seem to be affected by booze. Go tell them that we’ll get our cars in the morning, please,” Twilight requested, stifling a yawn.
“Okie dokie!” Pinkie took off, as the other five slowly made their way to front to request a Zuber. Good-byes were exchanged as the group split up to go home, exams were coming up but they promised that once they were over another celebration was in order (much to Pinkie’s delight).
Upon returning to their apartment, Rainbow Dash properly kissed Fluttershy, before making her way to the bathroom to get ready for bed. The alcohol hit her hard and she needed to lay down and sleep it off before her body decided to forcibly excrete the liquor. Dash was already fast asleep by the time Fluttershy was finished playing with Angel. Shacking her had, she placed a bottle of water and aspirin on the bedside table next to Rainbow, just in case the morning was going to be rough. Pressing a kiss to Rainbow Dash's temple, she moved to her side of their bed. Too tired to change into pajamas, Fluttershy stripped out of her dress and slid into the bed falling asleep as soon as she got comfortable.